A Note from Our New Owner

Hi all,

This past week I've acquired the Schoharie News. My name is Matthew Avitabile. You probably have heard my name in my service as Middleburgh's mayor over the last four and a half years. I also teach history at both SUNY Oneonta and Cobleskill where I attended college. Local news has piqued my interest for a long time and seems to run in the family blood. I started talking to Mr. Tim Knight about possibly acquiring the Schoharie News, and here we are.

I've been fortunate enough to have Tim as a friend and appreciate the effort and dedication he put into the Schoharie News. His leadership is a high bar to reach and I certainly have big shoes to fill. I'll consult Tim for advice and hope to work with him on a role at the publication: at the moment he is working as a freelancer for our publication. I thank him for his insight and for setting such a good example.

Also being in public office, there may be concerns about a blurred line in this new role. That's why I'm not going to cover Middleburgh issues and will not be seeking another term as Mayor.

I am also looking for partnerships that would bring expanded and better coverage. I have brought upon several new team members to help bring our publication to success. Any press releases, tips, and news ideas are welcome. I am also considering all options and partnerships to build the publication further.

We'd like to use this opportunity to highlight many subjects currently not closely examined in local press. The Schoharie News will focus on hard looks at effects of policy on our residents, as well as the hardworking efforts of community groups to improve our area.

Sharon Harvest Fest this Weekend

Sharon Springs' famed Harvest Fest is taking place this weekend. The event, which often draws crowds into the thousands, will be the largest yet. An itinerary includes:

FRIDAY 9/16
Harvest Feast at the American Hotel  – A 4 course dinner with Schoharie County Beverage Trail  incorporating their spirits/beer/wine into the menu. Call 518.284.2105 for reservations.
SATURDAY 9/17
All Day – Beekman 1802 Farm Tours. Click here for tickets.
All Day – [Beekman 1802 Mercantile] Brent and Josh will be in the second floor showroom of the Mercantile all day signing copies of  books, magazines, and whatever else you put in front of them
All Day– ETSY Maker’s Village and festival vendors
All Day – (while supplies last)  The American Hotel will be serving fresh-from-the-Cape Lobstah Rolls and Clam Chowda on the lawn of the hotel
All Day- Spring House Spa will be giving chair massage in the yard ($1/minute!) and card readings throughout the day! Stop by for relaxation and insight.
All Day — tinsmith demonstrations of making tin icicles on the steps of the Cobbler & Co shop
10AM – Over 150 Vendors will open their booths scattered throughout the village.
10AM – “Etsy’s Makers Village” opens. Etsy takes over one of the streets in town to highlight the wares of some of their very best regional craftspersons.
High Noon! Tractor Parade! [Main Street] Line up to celebrate our farmers as they parade their new and antique models down Main Street (from Sharon Springs School to Sunnycrest Orchards.)
12:30pm – Become an Official Sharon Springs Honorary Citizen. [Chalybeate Park Pavilion] Show up to take the Oath of Honorary Citizenship, (and get spritzed by Mayor Doug,) to become an official, card-carrying, honorary Sharon Springs Citizen. (Super Secret ID Card included.)
3:00PM-  4:30pm Miss Sharon Jones!  screening [in the high school auditorium].  Seating is limited and is on a first-come first-served basis.  Screening is fee but donations are welcomed to support the renovation of the Klinkhart Hall Arts Center on Main Street
1PM – 1:30pm– Honey Tasting – Beekeeping and our Future [Chalybeate Park Pavilion] Beekman Honey Expert George Jersey shares fascinating facts about bees, and their impact on all of us.
2PM – Hard Cider Handbook [Chalybeate Park Pavilion] Local Hard Cider expert, Michael Guidice, shares the incredible history of hard cider in this region, and how it’s making a comeback.
4:00PM-7:00pm- Benefit Dinner at the Sharon Springs Firehouse (514 Route 20)– each year a delicious “D0ing It for Dodi”  spaghetti dinner is hosted to raise funds to battle ALS.  Community spirit at its finest

SATURDAY EVENING EVENTS:
Harvest Feast at the American Hotel  – [American Hotel]  A 4 course dinner with Schoharie County Beverage Trail  incorporating their spirits/beer/wine into the menu. Call 518.284.2105 for reservations. Call 518.284.2105 for reservations.
8:00PM- 9:30pm Miss Sharon Jones!  screening [in the high school auditorium].  Seating is limited and is on a first-come first-served basis.  Screening is fee but donations are welcomed to support the renovation of the Klinkhart Hall Arts Center on Main Street

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Local Dining
Thinking about your dinner plans? Check out our amazing local restaurants (be sure to call ahead for reservations):  204 Main Bar & Bistro, or Sharon Tavern.

SUNDAY 9/18
All Day – [Beekman 1802 Mercantile] Brent and Josh will be in the second floor showroom of the Mercantile all day signing copies of  books, magazines, and whatever else you put in front of them
All Day – Beekman 1802 Farm Tours. Click here for tickets. [Beekman Farm]
All Day– ETSY Maker’s Village and festival vendors [South Street]
All Day-  (11:00-3:30) Spring House Spa will be giving chair massage in the yard ($1/minute!) and card readings throughout the day! Stop by for relaxation and insight.
All Day — tinsmith demonstrations of making tin icicles on the steps of the Cobbler & Co shop
11AM – Chainsaw Carving. [Behind the Beekman 1802 Mercantile – outside] Watch the incredible craftsman Mike Page as he carves a beautiful bear sculpture using nothing more than his chainsaw. (you can see one of his carvings in the Mercantile as part of our ‘Go Wild’ theme)
Noon – Become an Official Sharon Springs Honorary Citizen.[Chalybeate Park Pavilion] Show up to take the Oath of Honorary Citizenship, (and get spritzed by Mayor Doug,) to become an official, card-carrying, honorary Sharon Springs Citizen. (Super Secret ID Card included.)
12:30PM– Mohawk Thanksgiving Prayer– [Chalybeate Park Pavilion] Join us for a Native American blessing of the harvest
2PM – Chainsaw Carving. [Behind the Beekman 1802 Mercantile – outside] Watch the incredible craftsman Mike Page as he carves a beautiful bear sculpture using nothing more than his chainsaw.
SUNDAY EVENING EVENTS
Harvest Feast at the American Hotel  – [American Hotel]  A 4 course dinner with Schoharie County Beverage Trail  incorporating their spirits/beer/wine into the menu. Call 518.284.2105 for reservations. Call 518.284.2105 for reservations.
Other area attractions to visit during the weekend: Cooperstown Farmers Museum, Fenimore Art Museum, Howe Caverns, Arkell Museum

More information can be found on the Beekman 1802 website.

Faso, Teachout Unveil Plans for Heroin Abuse, Gun Control

Congressional candidates Democrat Zephyr Teachout and Republican John Faso unveiled their plans for some of the most controversial topics affecting the region.

"I've laid out a plan, a strategy of education and enforcement." A topic where Republicans and Democrats can work together. He said that he's met many people affected by heroin, an "extraordinarily important" issue for the 19th District.

She stated that the "heroin crisis is devastated." She cited speaking to one father from Kingston that had a son that needed help kicking heroin. The father was unable to get insurance coverage for treatment and later overdosed. She said that she would work to reform insurance rules in order to expand coverage.

John Faso said that he supported the Second Amendment and would support people on terrorism watchlists from being unable to purchase guns only if there was a due process provision. He would not support universal background checks but instead supports stronger punishments for individuals that use guns in crimes. He said that the federal government should enforce existing laws rather than increasing gun control laws. Teachout stated that she supported universal background checks and banning individuals on the terror watchlist from buying firearms.

Faso-Teachout Congressional Debate Erupts in Fireworks

The scheduled debate between Republican John Faso and Democrat Zephyr Teachout was an interesting affair. Teachout spoke first, having won the coin toss.

The first question asked Teachout if her fundraising from billionaire special interest groups were in conflict with her pledge to get money out of politics. Teachout described the current campaign finance atmosphere as a, "Crisis of corruption" where "big corporations spend unlimited money in campaigns." She highlighted two contributions of $500,000 to John Faso's campaign from New York City. She said that one of the contributors, supported Common Core. She said she would "clean up Congress."

Faso stated that Teachout is raising "big money from all sorts of people connected to Super PACs." He also said that his opponent recently arrived in the district from Brooklyn in order to run for Congress. Faso said his roots in the Hudson Valley were deep, including his wife's role as a school nurse. He stated that Congress was a House of Representatives, not a House of Adventurers. Faso also said that he supported campaign finance reform. He criticized heavy spending to influence politics from George Soros, who is also donating to Teachout.

The next question discussed climate change. Faso said that "unfortunately this issues has been politicized." He said that climate change is real and must be mitigated. He cited a 20-25% reduction in greenhouse gases accomplished in New York. Faso stated that the country should begin an "all of the above" approach to energy. He claimed that his proposed policy would help small businesses.

Photo credit: WAMC

Teachout went next. She said that there is a "real difference" between her and her opponent. She cited her support of the fracking ban in New York state. She said that Faso is a supporter of the practice and has operated as a lobbyist for pipeline companies. She said she would "protect our water from the big polluters" in Congress.

Both candidates were questioned about term limits and if they would limit their service. Teachout stated that she supported limits and would serve five terms. She said she would focus on small businesses, stating "the real job creators have suffered." Teachout said she is against the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership, in common with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Like Trump, she also recommended renegotiating NAFTA. Teachout highlighted her experience in co-founding an organization to break up the big banks.

Faso also stated that he supports term limits. He also pledged to serve only five terms. He said he supports term limits for the state. He said that he has never been a lobbyist, although he did work as a consultant for Williams oil company in support of the Constitution pipeline. He opposes the Tennessee pipeline. He highlighted his endorsement from a national small business association. He supports a small business tax credit for capital expenses.

The next question was about the presidential level. Faso was asked why he did not endorse Donald Trump. He replied that he will keep his pledge to support the GOP's nominee but disagrees with Trump on multiple policies. He said he's running in the "model of Chris Gibson...to work across party lines." He followed, "A million people have left New York State in the last ten years." He supports a streamlining of New York law to have the state pick up Medicaid costs instead of the counties. He believes that this would reduce the local property tax burden. He said he had the experience to do so.

Zephyr Teachout replied by saying, "First of all I support Hillary Clinton for President." She said that she's always willing to be independent to succeed. She cited her 2014 independent campaign against Andrew Cuomo for governor. She said that she will "listen only to the people...and not big corporations." She also said that she felt local property taxes were too high. She said that when Faso was an Assemblyman, he supported tax increases 135 times. She said that he also missed 1,700 votes. "He's already had a chance to show what he'll do when he's paid to represent... he cashed out and became a lobbyist."

Teachout was asked about her recent move to the Capital Region. She said that she grew up locally in Windsor County, Vermont. She said that many of the issues are similar between the two. Teachout said that she feared that there would be a representative that would not represent the district. She said that she wanted to help parents opt-out of Common Core.

Faso denied having missed 1,700 votes. He said that he had a 97% legislative record. He said he missed some votes because he was at his wife's bedside while she was being treated for cancer. He said that Teachout's accusation was "below the belt." He cited that Teachout missed her own vote for her local school board election.

Faso bristled at Teachout describing him as a lobbyist, saying that one group that he lobbied for was the non-profit Autism Speaks, where he urged lawmakers to assist families with autistic children. "I have a serious plan to build the small business economy." He said that he would work against overregulation. He criticized Teachout's support of Black Lives Matter, saying that she called them "thoughtful."

Faso also attacked Teachout's alleged support of the Boycott Divest Israel movement. Teachout later said she was against the movement and was a supporter of Israel. She said that she was worried that North Korea could get a nuclear weapon. North Korea has had nuclear weapons for over a decade. She said that the U.S. had done enough to stop Iran from getting nuclear technology, and that the country should step up efforts to keep North Korea from getting nuclear weapons, an assertion which she reiterated. North Korea detonated a test nuclear weapon last week.

Teachout rebutted by citing Faso's opposition to same sex marriage in 2006. She said she supports "civil rights for all Americans." She also stated that she supported abortion rights and Planned Parenthood. She said she supports Zika funding and stated that Faso wouldn't.

Moderators were Dr. Alan Chartock of WAMC, WAMC's Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Allison Dunne, State Editor for Albany Times Union Casey Seiler, and Newschannel 13's Benita Zahn.

Hear the whole thing on WAMC.

Heroin Overdose Medication Training September 20th

The Schoharie County Alcoholism and Substance Abuse is holding a training for the medication Narcan. Narcan is intended to treat heroin overdoses. The event will include a wider discussion about heroin and substance abuse.

The training will take place next Tuesday from 6-7:30pm at 114 Lark Street in Cobleskill. For more information please call 234-8705.

For more information please check out the SCCASA Facebook page.

Next Addiction Group Meeting Sept 19th

The next meeting for those affected by drug and alcohol abuse will be held on Monday, September 19th. The meeting will be held next to Catholic Charities building at 483 West Main Main Street in Cobleskill. The meeting is held between 6:30 and 7:30. For more information call 234-8705.

More information can be found on the Schoharie County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse's Facebook page.

Hazardous Weather Outlook Today

NWS has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for our area today. There is a chance of thunderstorms today into early this evening, ahead of a cold front. Some of the storms may produce gusty winds, especially areas south and east of Albany.

Stay up on the weather at our constantly updated weather page.

State Police arrest Schoharie Woman for Grand Larceny 3rd

State Police in Cobleskill arrested a Schoharie woman charging her with Grand Larceny 3rd, a Class D Felony following a multi-agency investigation into a stolen ring.

Troopers arrested Cecilia M. Sena, age 20, after receiving the report of a missing diamond ring. The ring was taken from a residence that Sena had access to and was later sold to a pawn shop in the State of Arizona. State Police were able to locate the ring with assistance from the Kingman Police Department, who located the ring and a receipt for sale at a pawn shop in Kingman, Arizona. Sena was taken into custody and arraigned on the charge in the Town of Schoharie Court where cash bail was set. The ring was recovered and will be returned to the owner.

Troopers in New Scotland Arrest a Knox Man for Assault

On 09/11/16 the New York State Police in New Scotland arrested Edward A. Bisnett, 36, of Knox, NY for Assault 3rd, a misdemeanor and Harassment 2nd, a violation.  Bisnett's arrest was subsequent to a domestic call with his girlfriend in the Town of Knox.  Girlfriend was transported to St. Peters's Hospital by Helderberg Ambulance for medical treatment.  Bisnett was processed without incident and arraigned in the Town of Knox Court and is scheduled to reappear on 10/05/16 at 6:00pm.

State Police arrest Jefferson Man for DWAI Drugs

State Police in Cobleskill arrested a Jefferson man charging him with DWAI Drugs, following the report of a reckless operator on State Route 7 in Cobleskill.

Troopers arrested Damien B. Harley, age 26, after the vehicle he was driving was stopped for Vehicle and Traffic Violations. Harley submitted to sobriety tests administered by a Drug Recognition expert which he subsequently failed. Harley was issued traffic tickets to appear in the Town of Cobleskill Court on September 13, 2016 at 5:30 PM.

Airing of the Quilts Next Saturday

Next Saturday will be the annual "Airing of the Quilts" put on by the Schoharie County Quilt Barn Association each year. If you have a quilt, please hang it up so that visitors travelling between the stations of the quilt trail can see the displays.

The rain date for the event is the following day, Sunday September 18th.

Middleburgh Man Sentenced to Six Years for Selling Heroin

A Middleburgh man was sentenced to six years in prison for dealing heroin. Scott Kossow, 31, was arrested last October for selling drugs. At that point he was charged with three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree.

Kossow had been arrested with another Middleburgh resident in 2013 for heroin possession. He had been charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the second-degree.

Kossow was sentenced by Schoharie County Judge George Bartlett. He had been arrested after an investigation by the County Sheriff's Department and the NYS Police New York State Police Community Narcotics Team.

Three Adults, One Juvenile in Cobleskill Armed Robbery

State Police in Cobleskill have identified four local residents in connection with a Robbery which occured Saturday night on the SUNY Cobleskill campus.

Two freshman students reported being robbed by individuals who confronted them with a long arm and demanded their money and other items.  The victims noted the license plate from the suspect vehicle and immediately reported the incident to the SUNY Police Department.

The New York State Police located the suspect vehicle a short time later and adopted the investigation.  The NYSP and SUNY Police have worked together since to resolve the case.

The four suspects are identified as Dylan J. Foote, 22, from Sharon Springs, Tashar G. Thomas, 21, from Richmondville, Lexi T. Bohringer, 16, from Cobleskill and a 14 year old juvenile from Preston Hollow.

They were each charged with Robbery 1st (Felony).

The three adults were remanded to the custody of the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office after arraignment.  The juvenile was also charged as an adult and was detained in a secure youth detention facility.

The investigation is ongoing.

From the NYSP site.

Sheriff's Office Opens Confidential Drug Tip Line

The Schoharie County Sheriff's Department has been a lead player in combating the flow of narcotics into the area. Sheriff Anthony Desmond and deputies have held a firm line against the spread of heroin.

Following a number of major heroin-related headlines, the Sheriff's Department is implementing a dedicated Tip Line for residents to call regarding their concerns. The confidential line is intended to open a dialogue with those that may see potential drug issues happening in their community or neighborhood. The number is (518) 295-2295.

The move happened as a new support group to combat addiction has been formed in the county. More information can be found at the Sheriff's Department's Facebook page.

Support Group Formed to Help Families Affected by Addiction

A new group has been formed to help Schoharie County residents facing issues related to addiction. The timing of this movement is especially important after the three heroin deaths last week. The first meeting of the group will be on Monday, September 19th, 2016 from 6:30pm-7:30pm at 489 West Main Street, Cobleskill-- the building next to Catholic Charities.

The move coincides with the Sheriff's Department's new confidential tip line regarding substance abuse issues. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

 More information can be found on the Schoharie County Emergency Services Facebook page. Further information about efforts to end local addiction can be found at the Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Facebook page.

SUNY Cobleskill Tech Helps Solve Amsterdam Sewer Leak

Information garnered from SUNY Cobleskill helped solve an issue for one of the area's cities. Amsterdam suffered a sewer leak recently that affected the Mohawk River.

According to data found by the college the leakage negatively impacted the river at a far higher rate than another recent leak. It studied data between parts of July and August to come to the conclusion. The leak caused an increase of enterococcus bacteria in the water. A bypass installed near the site ended the immediate cause of the bacteria but other studies showed higher levels all the way down the Mohawk River Valley to Albany.

The information was profiled on the college's website and on the Mohawk Valley Compass.

Schoharie Garage Sale Day Saturday, Sept 10th

The Village-wide garage sale day will take place in Schoharie this Saturday. Hosted by the Schoharie Promotional Association in cooperation with other community groups, the event will also features vendors.

For more information please check the Schoharie Promotional Association's Facebook page.

New York Times Profiles Coal Rolling

The New York Times is published in a very different culture than the average day in Schoharie County. Yet the paper of record published an article today regarding the common rural practice of rolling coal, or changing performance of a diesel engine to increase visible emissions.

Needless to say, their take is from an outsider's position:

"Sgt. Chris Worthington of the Montrose Police Department here is out to stop them.  

"You can hear those trucks across town, driving like idiots," he said on a recent Friday evening patrol.

The paper also cites that police are now being trained to specifically handle complaints about coal rollers. According to the Times there has been a stark increase of complaints across the country over the practice and New Jersey recently banned it. Violators could face a $5,000 fine.

Coal rolling has become more popular in Schoharie County, especially among younger people. If a current drive across town lines is any indication, it won't end soon.

The Times ends their article in a provocative way,

"The air sucks anyway," said Ben Poncher, who was drinking a beer next to the track, "Smoke's pretty. I like seeing it."

Alleged Armed Robbery at SUNY Cobleskill Leads to Arrest

The SUNY Cobleskill University Police sent out this notice Sunday morning:

At approximately 9:45pm Saturday (9/3/2016) evening, two males approached two male students on Albany Avenue. The two males, one of whom was armed with what appeared to be a rifle or shotgun, took property from the students and left the scene. The students were unharmed and using a “Campus Blue Light Phone” were able to provide Police with pertinent information. A very short time later New York State Police located and took an involved subject into custody. The investigation is continuing. This is an isolated incident and there is no further threat to the campus community. Even so, please be cautious and contact University Police if you see anything suspicious or have information regarding this incident. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available. 

Always remember it is always better to walk in pairs and take care of each other. If you see something, say something. Contact University Police at 518.255.5555 whenever something seems unusual.

Gift Store Becomes Middleburgh Landmark

Just about a year and a half ago Larry Kossmann Nelson took an idea and helped change Middleburgh's landscape. Lerny's Gift Shop offers a variety of products, including many local vendors. Earlier this year the store moved to Main Street and expanded.

"I'm amazed by the love and support by some people," said Nelson. Nelson's jovial personality seems to fit the store's atmosphere well. A multitude of crafts, jewelry, woodworks, photographs, and more included a number of Middleburgh-themed products. Mr. Nelson also offers silk screening and shirt printing.

Mr. Nelson stated that part of the reason that he was open was to help build up community pride. The store is offering a 10% discount for anything Middleburgh related.

"There's always something new," he said, motioning to new products on his shelves. Follow their gift store Facebook page here.